This is a large heavy book with everything you could need for studying the Bhagavad Gita. For Sanskrit students, this book is popular since it includes Devanagri text, transliterated Sanskrit, comprehensive breakdown of compound words, word-by-word meanings, English translation, and commentary from Sri Ramakrishna's teachings. Why is this good?
Because in most available books today, whether it's a rendering of one of the Vedas or an Upanishad or a Stotra or what have you, you will have the Sanskrit sloka and then the English commentary. Which means, if you don't read Sanskrit, your eyes glaze over the original and you're just left with the interpretation. For me, that's robbing me of the experience of having truly understood the text. Also, the way it's presented here, I actually have a chance to understand how the words are pronounced.
The eternal life giving philosophy of this beloved book is only augmented by Swamiji's commentary. The sayings of Sri Ramakrishna used, are perfect examples of someone that followed the precepts and injunctions laid out in the Bhagavad Gita and fulfilled the ancient promise of becoming a Jivan-mukti.
The concepts Sri Krishna spoke are beyond religion, creed, and life and death themselves.I would recommend this to anyone of any position and stage of life. It is never too late or too early to begin this journey.
